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Best Christmas Markets in London

If you’re staying at Native Bankside…

 

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Just a leisurely 15 minute walk from your apartment is Christmas by the River at London Bridge City. This year there’s a vintage ski theme, with chalet-style stalls selling gifts and goodies between the Pier and Tower Bridge. It was even voted the best Christmas Market to impress a first date in the UK, if you’re feeling romantic.

Book your Christmas break at Native’s serviced apartments near London Bridge.

If you’re staying at Native Hyde Park…

 

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London’s best known and most family friendly Christmas market has to be the one at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which is only 20 minutes from Native’s Hyde Park hotel, at the Marble Arch side of the park. It’s free to enter, so you can browse the fairy-lit wooden chalet shops at your leisure. There’s also ice skating around the pavilion, shows for all ages, ice sculpting workshops and more.

If you’re staying in Hoxton or Shoreditch…

 

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You won’t want to miss Christmas Wednesdays at Columbia Road. Every Wednesday evening throughout December, the independent shops alongside the famous flower market hold Christmas shopping evenings that double up as a great evening out. There’s music and food, and you can explore over 60 shops full of artisan jewellery, books, homewares, toys and fashion. Try to catch local vicar Adam Atkinson, who is famously wheeled down the street on a piano singing carols every year.

 

If you’re staying near Covent Garden…

 

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As you can imagine, Covent Garden goes all out for the festive season. The Piazza is so packed with stores and stalls that it’s the perfect one-stop-shop for all your Christmas presents. The decorations are both enchanting and Instagrammable, and there’s late night shopping on Thursdays. If you need to refuel, head to the Covent Garden Christmas Cart for mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal treats.

The best of the rest

Christmas at Canopy Market | kingscross.co.uk
Southbank Centre Winter Festival and Winter Market | southbankcentre.co.uk
Crafty Fox Christmas Markets, various locations | craftyfoxmarket.co.uk

Book your last minute festive getaway. You know you want to.

Best Places to Stay in London

Where are you staying?

Our hotel near Southbank.

Like serene green and a royal welcome? You’ll love Hyde Park

The largest of London’s Royal Parks, it connects some of the city’s best loved areas. There’s Bayswater to the north, Mayfair to the east and Knightsbridge to the south, to name but a few. The park itself is a heavenly expanse of history within calm green space, with a lake you can swim in, sculptures, water features and a gallery. There’s also the Serpentine Pavilion – a stunning temporary structure designed by a different, carefully selected, artist each year. All just a ten minute walk from Oxford Street.

Where are you staying?
Our aparthotel near Hyde Park is the perfect pied-à-terre to unwind after a day exploring the area.
We also have beautiful serviced apartments in Mayfair, located in converted Victorian mews near to Marble Arch and Bond Street.

Like tradition and innovation? You’ll love the City of London

The City is delightfully contradictory. It’s where old meets new, formal meets quirky and quintessential Britishness meets the global economy. Gone are the bowler hats and bumbershoots, but that big business energy still pervades the whole district, bringing a celebratory vibe to the restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs where the suited and booted go to toast the end of the workday.

Where are you staying?
We have a few aparthotels and serviced apartments ideally located for you to explore The City.
Our hotel near bank station, Native Bank, is just a stone’s throw away from London’s banking district.
Our hotel near Cannon Street is also nearby, located in a charming townhouse near the City’s Square Mile.
Halfway between the banking district and the East End, Native’s high spec serviced apartments near Tower Hill offer stunning views of the Gherkin and The City.
Also nestled in the heart of the City is Native Fenchurch Street, a former tea warehouse home to stunning short stay apartments.

Like leafy streets and waterside walks? You’ll love Fulham

Dotted with pretty parks, antique shops, cafés and crafts, Fulham has a creative countryside vibe even in the heart of London’s Zone 2. The beautiful Fulham Palace is well worth a visit, as are any of the brilliant gastro pubs, while culture vultures will flock to the London Theatre Workshop and the Grapefruit Gallery.

Where are you staying?
Perfectly located near parklands and riverside pubs, Native’s serviced apartments in Fulham is home to serene apartments that are ideal to relax after a day exploring the city.

How to spend 48 hours in Manchester

Manchester is one of those cities that surprises you at every turn. From new pop-up eateries to freshly painted street art, you could stay for a month and still find something unexpected around the next corner. Don’t worry if you’ve only got 48 hours in Manchester though. We’ve put together an itinerary of some of our favourite places to eat, drink and soak up the city, so you can get a real feel for its unique culture, people, history and vibe.

Day One: Art, history and footie

Breakfast: Ducie Street Warehouse

(On the ground floor, underneath Native Manchester aparthotel)
The ground floor of Ducie Street Warehouse is home to Manchester’s newest hangout. Grab some breakfast from the Lounge from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.

After breakfast: Manchester Art Gallery

(11 minutes from Ducie Street Warehouse)
Spend a couple of hours perusing over 25,000 works of art over three floors. More than a collection of artworks, Manchester Art Gallery celebrates local craftsmanship alongside its big-name pieces from around the world.

En-route to lunch: Central Library

(2 minutes from the gallery)
This exquisite Grade II listed landmark plays host to a vast collection of literature and a wide range of events. Check out the magnificent Wolfson Reading Room before taking in a workshop, concert, comedy gig or lecture.

Lunch: Rudy’s Pizza

(2 minutes from the library)
A laid back lunch in the heart of town calls for pizza. But not just any pizza. Rudy’s is a neighbourhood favourite, serving brilliant Neapolitan food alongside a lovingly selected craft beer and wine list.

After lunch: The National Football Museum

(13 minutes from Rudy’s)
This is the world’s biggest museum dedicated to the beautiful game. Not just for full-on fanatics, this museum is enjoyable for anyone with a passing interest in the sport. You can even test your skills at everything from penalty kicks and tricks to goalkeeping and commentating.

Dinner: Dishoom

(12 minute from the museum)
Voted Britain’s favourite restaurant two years running, Dishoom’s London reputation precedes it. Here, in its first home outside the capital, you’ll experience a whole new take on Indian cuisine, inspired by the Iranian cafés of old Bombay. Unmissable.

Drinks: Cottonopolis

(18 minutes from dinner – perfect for walking off that pudding)
Named in honour of Manchester’s cotton-trading heritage, Cottonopolis is the place to go for Asian-inspired cocktails, beers, teas and sakes – the perfect bar for toasting a brilliant day in the city centre.

 

Day Two: Shopping, design and street food

Breakfast: Ezra & Gil

(5 minutes’ walk from Native Manchester)
If you love locally roasted coffee and wholesome, seasonal food, you’ll want to kick start your day at this friendly, communal and welcoming coffee shop.

Post-breakfast retail therapy: The Arndale Centre and New Cathedral Street

(7 minutes from Ezra & Gil)
Manchester’s famous Arndale Centre is home to over 200 shops, boutiques, eateries and cafés, so there’s no end of opportunity to work that credit card. And, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, you’ll find New Cathedral Street, the luxury shopping district, right opposite.

Lunch: El Gato Negro

(5 minutes from the shops)
Mancunians swear that this place serves the best tapas outside Spain. If you’re organised, you can book the chef’s table, where you’ll enjoy watching the open kitchen at work while you lunch.

Post-lunch tipples: The Oast House

(5 minutes from the restaurant)
A trip to Manchester wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its breweries, so take a moment or two to sample little something at the Oast House. With its impressive ale inventory from around the world, it makes a perfect afternoon detour.

Northern Quarter shopping

(17 minutes from the pub)
Looking for something quirky and crafty? Head to the Northern Quarter for shops like Fred Aldous for artsy things, Fig & Sparrow for lifestyle design, Affleck’s Palace for indie eclecticism and much more.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

(4 minutes from Fred Aldous)
Manchester Craft and Design Centre is home of the city’s artistic community, here you’ll find 16 retail and studio spaces filled with makers and crafts, a top-notch café and a busy and varied programme of exhibitions.

Dinner: Mackie Mayor

(6 minutes from the Northern Quarter, 12 minutes from home)
A gorgeous Grade II listed indoor food market, Mackie Mayor hosts ten exceptional eateries under its brand new glass roof. There’s everything from pork belly stuffed bao to fresh, handmade pasta, as well as plenty of tipples, so you can raise a glass to the city before you go.

And that’s it! 48 action-packed hours in Manchester – the UK’s beloved second city. If that doesn’t leave you itching to return, we don’t know what will.

Book your whirlwind tour of Manchester with a stay at Native Manchester.

Best live music in Glasgow

St Luke’s

What was originally St Luke’s Parish Church on the outskirts of Glasgow’s Merchant City is now a breath-taking music venue, beautifully restored to show off all its original features, like stained glass windows and an 1800s pipe organ. Catch up-and-comers and big names alike, from Jessie Buckley and Joan As Police Woman to top notch tribute bands and club DJs.

What’s on at St Luke’s?

The Old Fruitmarket

Home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, this glorious spot is also Glasgow’s oldest purpose-built performance space. In January it’s home to the annual Celtic Connections music festival and in June it’s Glasgow Jazz Festival, while classical, rock and folk concerts fill its vaulted ceilings the rest of the time. It’s broadened its scope over the years too, with theatre and comedy performances on the bill.

What’s on at the Fruitmarket?

The Barrowland Ballroom

Starting life as an actual ballroom – sprung dance floor and everything – this iconic venue now boasts a prominent neon frontage and a capacity of 1,900, as well as one of the best gig atmospheres you’ll ever experience. The Barrowlands has proudly hosted legends like David Bowie, U2, The Stranglers, The Clash, Muse and Foo Fighters, just to name a few. So, it’s no surprise that both Metallica and Oasis have said it’s one of their favourite venues in the world.

What’s on at Barrowlands?

The SSE Hydro

Scotland’s largest entertainment venue regularly plays host to the megastars of music, and it’s little wonder. This imposing Foster + Partners-designed building welcomes up to 13,000 fans at a time and is ranked globally alongside the likes of Madison Square Garden and The O2. From classic rockers like Kiss and The Eagles to Khalid and The Chemical Brothers, there’s something for every musical palate.

What’s on at the Hydro?

Base yourself at Native Glasgow and experience Glasgow’s celebrated music scene.

Monstrous Manchester: Halloween in the city

Get gothy at Manchester Metropolitan

Hosted by the university, the seventh annual Gothic Manchester Festival will follow the theme of Gothic Times. Spanning the whole of October, there’s a brilliant programme of eerie events across the city, like games, literature, performances, club nights and more.

Get tricked and treated across the city

If you’re brave enough, throw on your favourite Halloween costume and join Manchester’s Trick or Treat Trail. Pick up a map from the information point in Exchange Square and make sure you hit all the trick or treat houses scattered across the city centre. There’s a different character at each one, just waiting to greet (or maybe eat) you.

Get creeped out on New Cathedral Street

Enjoy a family-friendly freak show on at Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival. Full of street performers, sideshow stalls and a proper old fashioned helter-skelter, there’s also the Strolling Bones parade, led by Grimm Rita herself, taking you between the Carnival and Dr Mancenstein’s Castle.

Get the heebie-jeebies at Manchester Arndale

For something a little less scary, head to Manchester Arndale with the family, where Z Arts, the kids’ arts centre, will be hosting a taster of their exhibition A World Inside a Book – Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures. Dedicated to the universally adored children’s author, Julia Donaldson, the show gives you the chance to meet some of her best-loved characters and enjoy a spellbinding storytelling session of classic favourite, Room on the Broom.

Want to see more of Manchester’s macabre side? There’s loads more going on over the Halloween season, and you can find all the details in the city’s full Halloween itinerary.

Book a spooky sojourn in Manchester.

Best walks near Glasgow

Ayrshire Coast (45 minute drive)

With quaint country towns, an ancient castle, museums, stately homes and sandy shores, the Ayrshire coast has been drawing crowds since the Vikings landed there.

Less than two hours’ drive away

Ben Vorlich and Lock Earn (90 minute drive)

Close to the Highland border and offering awe-inspiring views of the Lowlands, Ben Vorlich above Loch Earn is one of the most popular climbs in Scotland.

Two to three hours away

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas (2 hour drive)

One of the country’s most popular hill walks, Ben Lawers is the tenth highest Munro, bordering the beautiful Loch Tay, and you’ll cross Beinn Ghlas on the way.

Schiehallion (2 hour drive)

Rich with botanical life and archaeology, this is a walk for scientists and history buffs. The mountain made its name in 1774, when it was used to estimate the Earth’s mass, and it’s simply a beautiful place to spend the day.

Buachaille Etive Beag (2 hour drive)

If rocky ridges and loch views are your thing, this magnificent summit is a little known gem among the Munros, offering plenty of Instagrammable views of the surrounding Glencoe peaks and down to Loch Etive.

Loch Ness (3 hour drive)

Nessie, the mythical monster, may be the most famous thing about Loch Ness, but thousands of people flock here every year to enjoy the 23 miles of lakeside trails, towpaths and falls amidst the lush greenery and mountain vistas.

Plan your route from Native Glasgow.